Author

BPN Staff

Compiled by BPN Staff

 

  • Feature Articles

    Capturing More Gallons Year-Round With Autogas!

    Over the past few decades, new propane liquid injection systems and other technological advancements have helped revitalize propane autogas’ performance, and improved its reputation, as a clean, alternative fuel option for vehicles—public and private fleets, school buses, and other transportation sectors. There has never been more opportunity for propane marketers who want to grow their gallon delivery and enjoy year-round revenue than by securing autogas accounts. This starts with propane marketers converting their own vehicles so prospective clients will see firsthand how well vehicles run on autogas. With major advancements in vehicle propane technology; cultural shifts toward environmental stewardship; financial incentives for clean, alternative fuel and vehicles; and propane autogas market development groups such as United Propane Autogas Solutions (UPAS) eager to help marketers seamlessly...

    Read More →

  • Equipment

    Equipment Dealers View Propane As Proven Mower Fuel Alternative

    Outdoor power equipment dealers find propane-powered commercial mowers more favorably than comparable electric mowers, according to a recent survey conducted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Among the more than 125 individuals who participated in the poll, electric mowers had 30% less favorability than propane models. The survey found that 96% of those responding also agreed that propane is a proven technology for mowers. “We know how important the relationship is between a landscape contractor and dealer, and how much influence dealers can have,” said Jeremy Wishart, director of off-road business development at PERC. “Knowing that dealers see propane as a proven alternative fuel for commercial mowers is encouraging as more contractors look for ways to distance themselves from the high emissions and...

    Read More →

  • Safety

    Workplace Safety Reinforced At 6th Annual ITA Event

    The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) hosted its sixth annual National Forklift Safety Day in Washington, D.C. June 11, an event serving as an opportunity for forklift manufacturers to highlight the safe use of forklifts, the value of operator training, and the need for daily equipment inspections. “As the North American forklift market continues to be an important component in the economy and supply chain, the need for safety in the workplace becomes even more prevalent,” said Scott Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing at CLARK Material Handling Co. and chairman of ITA. “National Forklift Safety Day provides the yearly opportunity to gather industry experts and government officials to reinforce the importance of ongoing safety education and training.” Elected officials, safety experts, and industry representatives...

    Read More →

  • Feature Articles

    Oil Majors Join Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax

    (June 24, 2019) — Bloomberg reports that oil companies, automakers, and consumer products manufacturers are poised to launch a campaign for a U.S. tax on carbon dioxide emissions, even though it may lead to higher prices for their products. BP and Royal Dutch Shell are reported to be contributing $1 million each to the Americans for Carbon Dividends advocacy campaign, underwriting efforts to persuade Congress to enact a carbon tax-and-dividend plan. Ford Motor Co. is said to be signing on as a founding member of the group and its underlying initiative, the Climate Leadership Council. At the same time, dozens of corporations, including Capital One Financial Corp., software company Salesforce.com Inc., and health care giant Kaiser Permanente will also be lobbying Congress for a carbon...

    Read More →

  • Feature Articles

    Crystal Flash Inks 12th Acquisition With Kohley’s Propane In Michigan

    (June 20, 2019) – In an effort to expand its footprint and capabilities along Michigan’s western lakeshore, Crystal Flash (Grand Rapids, Mich.) has acquired Muskegon, Mich.-based Kohley’s Superior Propane. The transaction was finalized on June 7, 2019. Terms regarding the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition provides employee-owned Crystal Flash with more than 1700 additional home heating customers. Two Kohley’s Propane team members will join Crystal Flash. “Finding companies with a mission and values similar to ours is key when we look at an acquisition,” said Tom Olive, Crystal Flash president. “Kohley’s fit this bill perfectly. Our shared heritage as proud, independent propane retailers with a commitment to strong customer relations drove our decision. We look forward to having Kohley’s team join our employee-owned company...

    Read More →

  • Feature Articles

    Deadline Nears For Millions In Federal Grant Funding For Clean Propane Buses

    The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the opportunity to apply for approximately $423.3 million in Fiscal Year 2019 competitive grant funding for transit bus projects. The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program is authorized to improve the condition of bus infrastructure by funding the replacement and rehabilitation of buses and related facilities. Projects eligible for this funding opportunity include those that would replace, rehabilitate, lease or purchase buses and related equipment. Other eligible projects involve purchasing, rehabilitating, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities, such as buildings for bus storage and maintenance. FTA will award the grants to eligible recipients, including fixed route bus operators, states and local governmental entities that operate fixed route bus service, and Indian tribes. Projects will...

    Read More →

  • People

    Propane People “In The News”

    (June 18, 2019) — Cargas Systems (Lancaster, Pa.) has promoted Cory Grimm to director of consulting . In his new role, Grimm will expand his management responsibilities leading Cargas Energy’s systems consultants and project managers, as well as focusing on scaling the team’s implementation methodology and strategic initiatives such as new product releases. Prior to joining Cargas, Grimm was an operations analyst for the federal government, a financial advisor, and served in the active duty Air Force. Since joining Cargas in 2013, he has served as a trainer, consultant, and project manager. Dan Boyd has joined Energy Distribution Partners (EDP; Chicago) as General Manager for Anderson Propane Services . Anderson Propane serves residential and commercial customers in the Caldwell and Uhrichsville, Ohio, areas. Clayton Cook...

    Read More →

  • Feature Articles

    Good Relationships And Info Key To Successful Lobbying

    When a bill that may affect propane marketers was introduced in the California legislature recently, a member of a legislator’s staff reached out to the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA). That contact was a direct result of a volunteer meeting held during the state’s Propane Day, says Joy Alafia, president and CEO of WPGA. On that day in March, she and a number of propane marketers had visited with Sacramento legislators. “Some members may feel that industry advocacy days are a perfunctory task, but representatives are listening, taking notes, and in some instances, taking action as a result of our engagement,” Alafia recently told BPN. “Some of our members have had long-standing relationships with their legislators, and we can count on these officials to understand...

    Read More →

  • Feature Articles

    Canadian Federal Parties To Hear From Propane Industry

    The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) gathered at its annual general meeting May 28, 2019 to set priorities and the agenda for the upcoming fall election to ensure the industry’s collective voice is heard. Noted was that propane is a low-emission, accessible, and affordable fuel that can support government policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduce costs, contribute to job creation, and help grow the economy. But these important contributions are being ignored by the government even as it says it wants to reduce GHG emissions while creating economic growth, the association observes. “The CPA supports a cleaner environment and reduced emissions, but the current government’s policies, including the new carbon levy under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, do not consider propane for its...

    Read More →

  • Feature Articles

    Millions In VW Funding Available in Texas for Clean Propane Buses

    (June 6, 2019) — From the $209 million allocated to Texas for TxVEMP, TCEQ has allocated $58M for its first grant round for buses. Entities operating buses 51% in a qualifying area replacing a model year 2009 diesel bus with new model year cleaner school bus may qualify for a Texas VW grant. The Propane Council of Texas, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 educational foundation, is dedicated to informing school districts, transits, and shuttle operators on cleaner-burning propane school buses, shuttles and transit buses. Propane autogas buses emit up to 90 percent fewer nitrogen oxides (NOX) than a clean diesel bus. NOx are a significant contributor to smog and pollution and those switching to more environmentally-friendly propane buses can not only contribute to greener schools...

    Read More →